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Jepsen 'close' to returning to Angels bullpen

4/1/13: Angels pitcher Kevin Jepsen strikes out Ryan Hanigan to send the game into extras

By Robert Falkoff
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Special to MLB.com |

KANSAS CITY -- The Angels could be on the verge of getting right-hander Kevin Jepsen back in the bullpen.

"He's close," manager Mike Scioscia said, adding that Jepsen will make another rehab appearance this week.

Jepsen has been on the disabled list for more than five weeks because of a right shoulder strain. He made his second Minor League rehab appearance on Wednesday for Salt Lake and surrendered three runs, including two homers. Jepsen threw 19 pitches in his one inning.

Jepsen pitched just 3 2/3 innings prior to the injury, allowing five hits and four earned runs with six strikeouts and one walk.

Robert Falkoff is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.